Amazing

The post I wrote this afternoon came from a struggle I’ve been having for a runner most of this Spring/Summer season.

To be honest — it felt really good for me to use the blog as an outlet for my thoughts and frustrations.  I have loved everything about blogging in the short time that I’ve jumped into the game, but this was the first time that my putting it out there on my blog really helped me.

After I wrote that post, I felt like I  needed to be accountable for putting those words out there.  I can’t put it out there in the blogosphere, and then do nothing to work on it myself!

This afternoon — I took that inspiration and decided to put my words into action.

This afternoon I did my first speed workout outdoors. 🙂

Seems like something so small, but it really did feel good to just do it.

Workout for the Day

Run outside 🙂  Speed work:

• 15 songs total
• 2 songs warm up running
• 10 songs, sprinting during the versus, recovery run through the rest of the song
• 2 songs cool down running
• 1 song walk

I didn’t take my Garmin as I wanted to just be outside and enjoy the run, with having to worry so much about speed/distance every moment.  But by using Gmap-pedometer, I was able to guestimate the run at about 5.7 miles in about 50 minutes, give or take.

As I was out on my run today, I brought my camera along in hopes that I would capture the moments that were a reminder to me as to why I need to get my butt outside.

 

As I started the run, it was spitting and raining.  I was beyond tempted to turn around and not risk the elements. . . but I stuck it out. And thank goodness that I did.

 

Ultimately the rain cooled down the warm summer temps and made the challenging run a bit easier.  What didn’t make the run easier:

 

A water fountain at song 12…that didn’t work.  Torture.

Ultimately — I came  home geeked out thanks to pushing myself, and feel a (hesitantly) new fervor for getting my butt outside.

 

Dinner

Ultimately, my run was the highlight of the evening, absolutely.  I came home right as Zach came home from his long mountain bike ride, so we were both running  on endorphin highs…and B.O ;).

With that said, we showered up and prepped a pretty solid dinner.  Lamb chops, garlic toast, and side salad for me/beans for Zach.

Zach prepped the lamb with EVOO and fresh herbs (basil and rosemary) from our garden

 

I enjoyed my chop with a wonderful, fresh salad and crunchy piece of toast to soak up the extra dressing and grease 🙂

 

Zach and I ate our dinner while toasting to our awesome workouts

All that is left for the evening is a little Bachelorette finale

And of course, cookies.

Have a great night everyone!